Dispute an unauthorized subscription charge
Getting a refund for an unjustified subscription direct debit
A debit after cancellation, a higher amount than expected, a subscription never actually taken out: several cases justify disputing a charge, each with its own procedure.
First, check where the debit came from
Before crying foul, compare the direct debit with your plan, the period covered, and any recent changes. Many surprising amounts are prorated or a promotional offer ending, not fraud.
The step-by-step process
- Gather proof: cancellation confirmation, screenshot of the plan, invoice;
- Write to the service, including the amount and date, requesting a refund;
- Set a reasonable response time, two to four weeks;
- Contact the consumer ombudsman if the refusal persists.
Parallel bank recourse
For an authorized SEPA direct debit, your bank can refund it upon simple request within eight weeks of the debit. The status and history on the service side can be found in the subscription area, useful for supporting your dispute. This recourse does not close the contract: you must cancel separately, otherwise the direct debit will reoccur.
Deadlines to keep in mind
Eight weeks to reject an authorized SEPA direct debit, thirteen months to dispute an unauthorized transaction. On the service side, there is no single deadline: the faster and more documented the claim, the faster the refund.
When to talk about fraud
A direct debit from a service never subscribed to, or that continues despite a confirmed cancellation, constitutes an unauthorized transaction. In this case, the thirteen-month period applies, and the bank refunds first, then investigates. Report it to the service in parallel, and change your card if an unknown direct debit reappears.
What speeds up a refund
A clear file carries more weight than a long message. A date, an amount, a cancellation confirmation, and an explicit request are often sufficient. Keep every written exchange; it is the record that decides in case of disagreement.
The case of the credit card
If paid by card rather than direct debit, a disputed debit falls under the chargeback procedure with your bank. The reasons and deadlines differ from SEPA, but the principle holds: a service not rendered or an unrecognized transaction can be disputed with proof. Ask your advisor for the exact procedure, as it depends on the card network.
Maintain pressure without losing your temper
Follow up regularly, in writing, maintaining a factual tone. A dated history of exchanges carries more weight than an angry phone call that leaves no trace. Number your follow-ups, recall the date of your first request, and calmly announce the next step if nothing happens, including contacting the ombudsman.
What constitutes proof
A screenshot of the cancellation confirmation, the disputed invoice, and the statement showing the debit form a solid case. Add the date and channel of each exchange. It is this whole, not the tone used, that decides in case of arbitration.
